Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Community

Everyone who files a federal tax return must determine which filing status applies to them. It's important you choose your correct filing status as it determines your standard deduction, the amount of tax you owe and ultimately, any refund owed to you.

Here are eight facts about the five filing status options the IRS wants you to know in order to choose the correct filing status for your situation.

1. Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your marital status for the entire year.

2. If more than one filing status applies to you, choose the one that gives you the lowest tax obligation.

3. Single filing status generally applies to anyone who is unmarried, divorced or legally separated according to state law.

4. A married couple may file a joint return together. The couple's filing status would be married filing jointly.

5. If your spouse died during the year and you did not remarry during 2009, you may still file a joint return with that spouse for the year of death, provided the joint return election is not revoked by a personal representative for the deceased spouse.

6. A married couple may elect to file their returns separately. Each person's filing status would generally be married filing separately.

7. Head of household generally applies to taxpayers who are unmarried. You must also have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for you and a qualifying person to qualify for this filing status.

8. You may be able to choose qualifying widow(er) with dependent child as your filing status if your spouse died during 2007 or 2008, you have a dependent child and you meet certain other conditions.

There's much more information about determining your filing status in Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information. Publication 501 is available on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

LAKE COUNTY – Lake County Department of Social Services and Arbor Education and Training will present a new subsidized employment program to potential employees.


This program is funded with newly available federal stimulus funds with the goal is to place qualifying participants in jobs and to stimulate the local economy.


If you are unemployed, have a child and your income is below the 200 percent federal poverty level, then this program may be able to assist you.


Informational meetings for potential employees will be held at The Job Zone, located at 9055 Highway 53, Lower Lake.


The dates for the informational meetings will be on Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. and Jan. 12 at 11 a.m.


This is an exciting new program that will assist many unemployed parents. Space is limited, so please, RSVP to Jeremiah at 707-995-9015.

MIDDLETOWN – District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock will give his annual district report at the next Middletown Luncheon Club on Wednesday, Jan. 20.


Programs start at noon in the social hall of the Middletown Methodist Church, 15833 Armstrong at Washington, Middletown.


Lunch is only $5 per person with proceeds going to the serving group. January’s serving group is the United Methodist Women.


The general public is always enthusiastically welcome to attend. Because of the popularity of this event, RSVPs would be appreciated if you are coming with a group or don’t usually attend. Contact Helen Whitney, 928-9812 and leave a message.


MLC will sponsor candidate forums for Lake County superintendent of schools race in March and for sheriff in May.


The February speaker will be Dr. Korby Olson, superintendent of Middletown Unified School District.


MLC has been meeting since 1926. It meets every third Wednesday of the month from January through November.


A nonprofit organization is selected to provide lunch, and there is a different program each month to keep things lively and informative.


For more info on the MLC, contact Helen Whitney at 707-928-9812.

LAKE COUNTY – Lake County Dispute Resolution Services (LCDRS) offers free community mediation training to Lake County residents.


Nourish peace and prosperity in Lake County by helping your neighbors, co-workers, family members and community members resolve their own disputes.


To take part you must apply for this training.


Applications are available by calling LCDRS at 707-263-6800 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .


Applications must be received by Tuesday, Jan. 26.


Training will be held at the Lake Family Resource Center in Lakeport on each of four Saturdays –Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You must attend all four days to successfully complete this training.


The Community Mediation Training includes: working in teams, listening skill building, dealing with strong emotions and biases, working with diverse populations, interest-based problem solving, finding common ground, agreement writing and debriefing with other mediators. The training includes lecture and role-playing practice with feedback. Training materials provided.


Adult members of Lake County’s tribal, Latin, Asian, African-American, retired, disabled and young-adult (21+) communities are highly encouraged to apply.


Successful graduates will:


  • Learn useful professional and life skills;

  • Engage with a team of volunteer mediators and provide community and court mediation services under the auspices of LCDRS;

  • Be eligible to receive supplemental court mediation training that will prepare you to provide on-site mediation for small claims, unlawful detainer (evictions), civil harassment or civil short cause calendars.


Training is co-sponsored by the Lake County Superior Court Civil Mediation Program and LCDRS.


Graduates completing this free training are requested to commit 25 hours of volunteer time with LCDRS.

CLEARLAKE – A benefit for the South Shore Little League will be held Saturday, Jan. 23.


The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Highlands Senior Center on Bowers Avenue in Clearlake.


Featuring live music by Without A Net, the evening will include a tri tip dinner, dance and silent auction.


Pre-event tickets are available at Foods Etc. or Wild About Books in Clearlake and also will be available at the door. Tickets cost $15.


All proceeds will benefit South Shore Little League.


People must be 21 years old to attend.

 

 

For more information call 707-246-7293.

LAKE COUNTY – Wally Holbrook, candidate for Lake County superintendent of schools, will be a guest on “The Law Show” next Saturday, Jan. 9, on KPFZ 88.1 FM Lake County Community Radio.


Holbrook will run against former Superintendent Judy Luchsinger for the seat now occupied by Dave Geck, who has announced that he will not be running for reelection.


Tune in at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Phone lines will be open; call 707-263-3435.

Upcoming Calendar

7May
05.07.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Kelseyville Unified School Board meeting
7May
05.07.2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lakeport City Council
8May
8May
05.08.2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Fire preparedness town hall
11May
05.11.2024 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Guided nature walk
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day
27May
05.27.2024
Memorial Day
14Jun
06.14.2024
Flag Day

Mini Calendar

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